Thai security authorities in Sa Kaeo province received 79 Thai nationals repatriated by Cambodia on Friday, with five of them reportedly linked to 20 criminal cases.
The 45 men and 34 women were handed over at the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district after completing legal proceedings in Cambodia.
Members of the Burapha Task Force took part in the operation, along with immigration and customs officers, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) police officers and others.
After arriving at the immigration checkpoint, all returnees were required to undergo document verification, identity confirmation and detailed data registration. They were then referred to CIB officers for intensive background screening to determine whether they had any links to criminal offences or crime networks.
Preliminary checks revealed that five of the returnees had records linking them to a total of 20 criminal cases. Officials separated them for further investigation.
The Sa Kaeo Provincial Employment Office was also checking travel and employment documents. Those unable to prove they were legally authorised to work abroad could face a 5,000-baht fine under employment laws.
Officials said the repatriation operation formed part of tightened border security measures aimed at preventing illegal overseas employment, combating human trafficking, and monitoring transnational criminal networks that exploit border areas to facilitate illicit activities.
